Acute-exposure to Jatropha Gossypifolia flower extract alters some biochemical indices in Albino Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Jatropha gossypifolia flower extract on some selected biochemical indices in albino rats. Experimental design involves twenty (20) rats which were divided into four groups of five animals each. Group I received distilled water (vehicle), group II, III and IV received (50, 100 and 200mg/kg bwt) of the extract respectively for a period of 14-day. The rats were anaesthetized 24hrs after the last administration and sacrificed accordingly. Animal serum was collected for the determination of biochemical indices as well as assessment of the probable effect on the rat hematological parameters. Results obtained from biochemical assay indicated a significant (P<0.05) decrease in activity of serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin in rats treated with Jatropha gossypifolia flower extract in vivo when compared with the control. However, appreciable increase in levels of total protein and albumin was observed in Jatropha gossypifolia flower extract treated rats when compared with the control. The results of this investigation also revealed a significant (P<0.05) concentration-dependent increase in hematological parameters of the Jatropha gossypifolia flower extract treated rats when compared with the control. Hence, it could be inferred from the results that Jatropha gossypifolia flower extract could enhance positive modulatory effects on serum biochemical indices as well as hematological status of albino rats.